BLM public safety notice: Coal seam fires in northern Campbell and Sheridan Counties

BLM public safety notice: Coal seam fires in northern Campbell and Sheridan Counties

BUFFALO, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is notifying the public of the presence of actively burning coal seam fires in Northern Campbell and Eastern Sheridan Counties. Although these fires may be visible from the surface and/or from a distance (county roads and highways), they do not always constitute a threat or lead to wildland fires.

Coal seam fires are typically smoldering at or below the surface, with little to no open flame. They spread very slowly, even on windy days. Continuous reporting of these active coal seam fires can overwhelm 911 Dispatch Centers and Casper Interagency Dispatch Center, which can hamper response to actual emergencies.

If coal seam fires are observed, and are not actively spreading to surface wildland fuels, please do not contact 911 or Casper Interagency Dispatch. If there is an active wildfire observed, it is appropriate to call it in. Please be able to provide some basic information such as the location, estimated size, fuel it is burning is (grass/sage vs. Juniper or Timber), and if there’s any valuables at risk to include homes, energy infrastructure, livestock, etc. If you have any questions pertaining to this, please feel free to contact BLM Wyoming State Office Public Affairs at [email protected] or by phone at (307) 775-6328. If you know of a coal seam fire on BLM administered lands and have not reported it to the BLM, please email the location information, including any collected GIS data, to [email protected]. 

Active burning coal seams can create serious hazards for bystanders and responders:

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

· Unstable ground – sloughing and potential surface collapse.

· Hot surface areas – ground temperatures may be high enough to burn skin or ignite vegetation.

· Hidden openings or fissures- cracks or vents releasing heat or smoke.

· Toxic or irritating gases – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases may accumulate in low areas.

· Wildfire risk – surface ignition possible during dry conditions.

What should I do? –STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS:

· Follow all closures and posted warnings.

· Do not approach steaming ground, vents, or smoke.

· Keep children and pets close.

· Report spreading vegetation fires immediately.

-BLM-